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Germany votes to ban internal combustion engine by 2030

Published:
12 October 2016

The top legislative body in Germany - the Bundesrat - has voted to ban all internal combustion engines by the year 2030.

The legislation calls on the European Commission to "evaluate the recent tax and contribution practices of Member States on their effectiveness in promoting zero-emission mobility," effectively asking for a ban on the lower level of tax on diesel fuel within the EU.

It also calls on European vehicle manufacturers to "review the current practices of taxation and dues with regard to a stimulation of emission-free mobility."

"If the Paris agreement to curb climate-warming emissions is to be taken seriously, no new combustion engine cars should be allowed on roads after 2030," Greens party lawmaker Oliver Krischer told Der Spiegel after the vote.

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Speaking to MCN contributor Jon Urry about electric vehicles and the future, BMW Motorrad's head of development Karl Viktor Schaller said: "It may be 10 or 15 years away, but urban traffic will be electric in the future. Maybe eventually electric vehicles will reach a range of 200km, but it is too early to talk about electric segments.

"An electric superbike is possible, but it has a very limited range due to its high power. An electric GS would need range and not so much power. Until we have a good solution for range, it will take time for electric vehicles to expand beyond urban riding."

The resolution is non-binding, so may not happen, but it is a strong statement of intent, especially when German regulations have historically shaped many EU regulations.